Dreams That Won't Die

Update on local news

In the fall of 2002, Poquoson teen Casey Murphy auditioned unsuccessfully for TV's "American Idol." Today, she's more determined than ever to build a career in show business.

One disappointing audition couldn't throw Casey Murphy off track.

Not even a little.

After she failed to tickle the fancy of talent scouts for Fox TV's "American Idol" at a New York City tryout in the fall of 2002, Casey -- age 16 at the time -- went right back to honing her performance skills. She continued taking classes and playing roles with local musical theater groups.

Since her well-publicized snub, she's won awards and scholarships. In June, she'll graduate from Poquoson High School. In the fall, she will attend Shenandoah University, where she intends to study musical theater.

Looking back on her "American Idol" experience, she doesn't wince. She understands how the game is played. "At that level, they were only taking the best of the best -- or people who weren't that great that they could use for the bloopers." And at 16, she was on the younger side of what the show's producers were seeking.

"Maybe after a few years, I'll try again, but I don't know."

Casey -- who turns 18 next month -- knows what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She wants to build a career in the theater -- Broadway if possible.

"This is her life interest," said her mom, Trish Murphy. "When we really talked about choosing a college, I asked her what she wanted to do. She's an honor-roll student. So she could do anything.

But she said, 'Mom, I couldn't see myself doing anything other than being on stage and singing and acting.' I said, 'Then you need to go for it.' "

Plenty of folks who know Casey's talent say she's got the mix of temperament and talent needed to make strides in show business. "She's dedicated, talented and easy to work with," said Hugh Copeland, founder and artistic director of the Hurrah Players in Norfolk. Casey has played lead roles in a number of Hurrah productions including "The Sound of Music" and "Little Shop of Horrors." "She's right in so many ways," Copeland said.

This summer, Casey will be working at the Hurrah Players' performing arts camp for kids. She'll teach voice and direct one-act plays.

She and her mom remain big "American Idol" fans.

"I think La Toya London should win," she said. She wouldn't begin to second-guess the season's outcome, though. Several times, she's been surprised when very talented singers have gotten the ax, such as Jennifer Hudson.

"I agree with Simon on a lot on his comments," she said. "He's the only honest one, I think." *